SIDE LINER WITH EXPANSION(S) INSERT(S), FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE
Expandable inserts in the side members of motor vehicles form sealing beads post-cataphoresis to address sealing defects and corrosion issues, ensuring the integrity of the battery assembly.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2024000056
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-04
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-21
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-01-04
AI Technical Summary
The non-continuous bonding between the side members and the floor in motor vehicles creates gaps that disrupt the continuity of sealing strips, leading to localized sealing defects and potential corrosion, especially when cataphoresis residue is present, compromising the integrity of the battery assembly.
Incorporating expandable inserts in cavities within the side members that expand during the drying phase after cataphoresis to form sealing beads, connecting upper and lower sealing beads and ensuring watertight connections.
The expandable inserts effectively seal the gaps between the side members and the floor, preventing corrosion and ensuring the integrity of the battery assembly by maintaining a watertight connection.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: FRAME WITH EXPANDABLE INSERT(S), FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE Technical field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to motor vehicles, and more specifically to the side members to which the floors of such vehicles are intended to be permanently attached. Prior art
[0002] Certain motor vehicles comprise, on the one hand, a floor having a peripheral wall extended by a peripheral rebate, and, on the other hand, right and left longitudinal members, each comprising the first and second walls having first faces attached respectively to second faces of the peripheral wall and peripheral rebate.
[0003] It should be noted that the floor can optionally serve as a protective cover for a rechargeable battery installed in a battery tray, and in this case the latter is fixedly attached to the second walls of the side members and to the peripheral groove of the floor. The battery, the battery tray and the floor cover then define a battery assembly (or "pack").
[0004] To allow for the removal of cataphoresis residue (an industrial paint deposition technique using electrophoresis), it is common practice for the first faces of the first and second walls of the side members not to be continuously joined (by welding and / or screwing) to the second faces of the peripheral wall and peripheral rebate of the floor, respectively. In this case, there are generally at least two separate non-contact zones between each side member and the floor to allow for the removal of cataphoresis residue when the vehicle is removed from the cataphoresis bath. Typically, in each non-contact zone, there is a gap of approximately 5 mm between a side member and the floor.
[0005] Such areas of non-contact interrupt the continuity of certain sealing strips located in the passenger compartment and designed to seal the vehicle against liquids, because these sealing strips cannot fill the aforementioned gap between the floor and the frame rails. This results in a localized sealing defect, which can accelerate corrosion of the vehicle structure and may compromise the sealing of any battery assembly (or pack), which can prove dangerous.
[0006] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention
[0007] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a longitudinal member, on the one hand, suitable for equipping a motor vehicle comprising a floor having a peripheral wall extended by a peripheral rebate, and, on the other hand, comprising first and second walls having first faces suitable for being joined respectively to second faces of the peripheral wall and peripheral rebate having at least two distant non-contact zones for the evacuation of a cataphoresis residue.
[0008] This stringer is characterized by the fact that at least one of its first and second walls includes in at least one non-contact zone a cavity housing an expandable insert capable of expanding in a post-cataphoresis drying phase, in order to define a sealing bead connecting upper and lower sealing beads located on the floor.
[0009] Thanks to the invention, during cataphoresis each expandable insert is in its unexpanded state and therefore allows the evacuation of cataphoresis residue(s) because it is housed in a cavity in its non-contact zone, then during the drying (or oven) phase which follows cataphoresis each expandable insert expands in order to ensure a watertight connection between the upper and lower sealing cords which are subsequently installed.
[0010] The longeron according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:
[0011] - at least one of its first and second walls may comprise two cavities spaced along a direction which is intended to be parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and respectively housing two expandable inserts;
[0012] - each cavity can be defined on the first wall and can extend up to the second wall;
[0013] - in the presence of the last option, each cavity can be defined on the first wall extending to the second wall in a direction intended to be parallel to a vertical direction of the vehicle;
[0014] - each expandable insert can be specific for defining a sealing cord intended to to connect, on the one hand, an upper sealing bead intended to extend from an interface between the first face of the first wall and an upper face of an upper wall of the floor, extended by its peripheral wall, to a chosen area of this upper wall, and, on the other hand, a lower sealing bead intended to extend over an interface between the first face of the second wall and the second face of the peripheral rebate;
[0015] - in the presence of the first and last options, the two expandable inserts can be intended to contact respectively two opposite ends of the lower sealing cord;
[0016] - its first wall can be adapted to be fixedly attached to the peripheral wall of the floor by welding, and its second wall can be made suitable for being fixedly attached to the peripheral rebate of the floor by welding and / or screwing;
[0017] - it can be made of steel.
[0018] The invention also proposes a motor vehicle comprising, on the one hand, a floor having a peripheral wall extended by a peripheral rebate, and, on the other hand, right and left longitudinal members of the type presented above and to which are fixedly attached respectively right and left lateral parts of the floor.
[0019] For example, this vehicle may also include a rechargeable battery installed in a battery box fixedly attached to the second walls of the side members and to the peripheral groove of the floor, the latter defining a cover protecting the battery. Brief description of the figures
[0020] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), in which:
[0021] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from above, part of an example of a motor vehicle underbody comprising a floor, constituting an upper cover of a battery assembly, and two examples of longitudinal member embodiments according to the invention,
[0022] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, the sou basement of [Fig. 1], with cellular modules, of the battery assembly, installed under the floor, and before the installation of a battery tray of the battery assembly,
[0023] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, the sou base of [Fig. 1], with the battery tray of the battery assembly fixedly attached to the peripheral rebate of the floor and to it,
[0024] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the side of the first facing, part of an example of an embodiment of a straight longitudinal member according to the invention, before it became part of the subframe shown in figures 1 to 3,
[0025] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a top perspective view, the relative positions of the right longitudinal member and the right lateral part of the subframe floor in figures 1 to 3, with the representation of part of the sealing beads,
[0026] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below and in transparency, the relative positions of the right longitudinal member and the right lateral part of the subframe floor in Figures 1 to 3, with the materialization of part of the sealing beads, and
[0027] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates, in a side perspective view and by tiellement en coupe en plane transverse et vertical, les positions du longitudinal gauche et de la part lateral du plancher du sousfond des figures 1 à 3. Detailed description of the invention
[0028] The invention aims in particular to provide a longitudinal member LS intended to be part of a subframe SV of a motor vehicle, and initially provided with expandable insert(s) lEj each intended to define a sealing bead.
[0029] In what follows, the motor vehicle is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to be a car, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. However, the invention is not limited to this type of motor vehicle. It relates in fact to any motor vehicle comprising a floor fixedly attached to its underbody and capable of serving as an upper cover (or lid) for a battery pack.
[0030] In figures 1 to 7, the direction X is intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (automobile), which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the direction Y is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the direction Z is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.
[0031] Figures 1 to 3 schematically illustrate a portion of an example of a motor vehicle underbody SV comprising two longitudinal members LS, right and left, according to the invention, to which an example of a floor PL is fixedly attached. This fixed attachment can be achieved by welding and / or screwing, for example. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 1 to 3, the floor PL also constitutes an upper cover for a battery assembly EB, but this is not mandatory.
[0032] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 and 5 to 7, the floor PL comprises an upper wall PS which is extended downwards by a peripheral wall PP, itself extended substantially perpendicularly (here in an XY plane) by a peripheral rebate FP.
[0033] As can be seen more clearly in Figures 4 and 7, each spar LS comprises first PLI and second PL2 walls that extend mutually. Here, each first wall PLI extends substantially in a vertical and longitudinal plane XZ, and each second wall PL2 extends substantially in a horizontal plane XY. It should be noted that each spar LS also comprises a third wall PL3 which is extended downwards by the first wall PLI, and which extends substantially in a The horizontal plane XY is positioned above the second wall PL2. Furthermore, each first wall PLI has a first face FL1 designed to be bonded to a second face FP2 on a lateral portion (right or left) of the peripheral wall PP of the floor PL, and each second wall PL2 has a first face FL1 designed to be bonded to a second face FP2 of the peripheral rebate FP of the floor PL. It is important to note that this bonding is not continuous. Indeed, there are at least two ZNC non-contact zones (and therefore not bonded to each other), separated by a distance, for the removal of cataphoresis residue(s) when the vehicle exits the cataphoresis bath. Typically, in each ZNC non-contact zone, there is a gap of approximately 5 mm between a side member LS and the floor PV.
[0034] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 5 and 6 there are three ZNC non-contact zones between each LS longitudinal member and the PL floor. But there could be two ZNC non-contact zones or even more than three ZNC non-contact zones (for example four, or even more).
[0035] For example, each first wall PLI can be joined to the peripheral wall PP by welding, and each second wall PL2 can be joined to the peripheral rebate FP by welding and / or screwing. Screwing is advantageous because it also allows a battery tray BB of the battery assembly EB to be attached to the second wall PL2 and the peripheral rebate FP by means of screws VF, as partially illustrated in [Fig. 3]. In this case, the second wall PL2, the peripheral rebate FP of the floor PL, and a peripheral rebate FB of the battery tray BB have through holes that are positioned opposite each other and through which screws VF pass. These screws cooperate with nuts to secure the battery tray BB under the floor PL. It will be understood that the peripheral rebate FP of the floor PL is interposed between the second wall PL2 of each side member LS and the peripheral rebate FB of the battery tray BB.
[0036] The battery tray BB, like a rechargeable battery BR installed in it (BB), forms part of a battery assembly (or pack) EB. When the floor PL also serves as a top cover within this battery assembly EB, part of the rechargeable battery BR is housed in the space delimited by the top cover PL and the battery tray BB.
[0037] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 2], the rechargeable battery BR may comprise at least one cell module MC comprising at least two electrical energy storage cells. Here, "electrical energy storage cell" means a rechargeable cell and possibly an electrochemical cell (for example, of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) or Ni-Mh or Ni-Cd type).
[0038] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 4 to 6, at least one of the first PLI and second PL2 walls of each spar LS comprises, in at least one non-contact zone ZNC, a cavity Clj housing an expandable insert lEj. This (Each) expandable insert lEj is arranged to expand in a post-cataphoresis drying phase, in order to define a sealing bead which connects upper CES and lower CEI sealing beads located on the PV floor and installed subsequently (see figures 5 and 6).
[0039] It will be understood that each expandable insert lEj has the capacity to expand (and thus significantly increase its volume) in a non-contact ZNC zone when subjected to a high temperature during the drying phase (oven) following cataphoresis. Thus, during cataphoresis, each expandable insert lEj allows the evacuation of cataphoresis residue(s) because it is housed in a dedicated cavity Clj of its non-contact ZNC zone while in a non-expanded state, and after the drying phase, each expandable insert lEj is now in its expanded state in order to ensure a watertight connection between the upper CES and lower CEI sealing beads.
[0040] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 5 and 6, two of the three ZNC non-contact zones include an expandable insert lEj. However, only one of the three ZNC non-contact zones could include an expandable insert lEj, or all three ZNC non-contact zones could each include three expandable inserts lEj.
[0041] For example, each expandable insert lEj may comprise a plastic structure (for example of the polyamide type (possibly PA66)) and an expansive material (for example of the foam type) which undergoes significant expansion in a post-cataphoresis oven phase.
[0042] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 4 to 6, at least one of the first PLI and second PL2 walls may comprise two cavities Clj (j = 1 or 2) spaced in a direction intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction X, and which respectively house two expandable inserts lEj (IE1 and IE2). But the number of cavities Clj, and therefore of expandable inserts lEj, can take any value greater than or equal to one. The higher the number of non-contact zones ZNC, and therefore the more potential sealing interconnections to be made between the upper CES and lower IEC sealing beads, the higher the number of cavities Clj can be.
[0043] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 4], each cavity Clj can be defined on the first wall PLI and can extend to the second wall PL2. It will be understood that this definition is made concave (or recessed) on the first face FL1 of the spar LS, which is intended to be located opposite the peripheral wall PP of the floor PL. It will be noted, as illustrated, that a cavity Clj can also extend (by continuing) onto at least part of the second wall PL2, in order to increase the length of the sealing bead it defines. after expansion.
[0044] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in [Fig. 4], each cavity Clj can be defined on the first wall PLI extending to the second wall PL2 in a direction intended to be parallel to the vertical direction Z. But in an alternative embodiment, at least one cavity Clj could be defined on the first wall PLI extending to the second wall PL2 in a direction intended to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z. In the example illustrated without limitation in [Fig. 4], each cavity Clj extends on the second wall PL2 in a direction intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction Y. But in an alternative embodiment, at least one cavity Clj could be defined on the second wall PL2 in a direction intended to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction Y.Furthermore, each cavity Clj could be defined only on the first wall PLI or only on the second wall PL2.
[0045] As described above, each expandable insert lEj can be used to define a sealing bead intended to connect (or interconnect) upper sealing bead CES and lower sealing bead CEI. In this case, as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 5 and 6, the upper sealing bead CES can be intended to extend from a first interface, between the first face FL1 of the first wall PLI of a spar LS and the upper face of the upper wall PS of the PV floor, to a chosen area of the upper wall PS, and the lower sealing bead CEI can be intended to extend over a second interface, between the first face FL1 of the second wall PL2 of this same spar LS and the second face FP2 of the peripheral rebate FP of the PV floor.
[0046] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 5 and 6, when using two expandable inserts IE1 (j = 1) and IE2 (j = 2), these (lEj) can be intended (once expanded) to contact respectively two opposite ends of the lower IEC sealing bead. This advantageously allows for the establishment of sealing continuity between two portions (front and rear) of the upper CES sealing bead and the lower IEC sealing bead.
[0047] It should also be noted that each LS longitudinal member can be made of steel.
Claims
Demands
1. Side member (LS) suitable for equipping a motor vehicle comprising a floor (PV) having a peripheral wall (PP) extended by a peripheral rebate (FP), said side member (LS) comprising first (PLI) and second (PL2) walls having first faces (FL1) suitable for being joined respectively to second faces (FP2) of said peripheral wall (PP) and peripheral rebate (FP) having at least two non-contact zones (ZNC) separated for the evacuation of a cataphoresis residue, characterized in that at least one of said first (PLI) and second (PL2) walls comprises in at least one non-contact zone (ZNC) a cavity (Clj) housing an expandable insert (lEj) suitable for expanding in a post-cataphoresis drying phase, in order to define a sealing bead connecting upper (CES) and lower (CEI) sealing beads located on said floor (PV).
2. Longeron according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of said first (PL1) and second (PL2) walls comprises two cavities (Clj) spaced along a direction intended to be parallel to a longitudinal direction of said vehicle and respectively housing two expandable inserts (lEj).
3. Longeron according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each cavity (Clj) is defined on said first wall (PLI) and extends to said second wall (PL2).
4. Longeron according to claim 3, characterized in that each cavity (Clj) is defined on said first wall (PLI) extending to said second wall (PL2) in a direction intended to be parallel to a vertical direction of said vehicle.
5. Stringer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each expandable insert (lEj) is suitable for defining a sealing bead intended to connect i) an upper sealing bead (CES) intended to extend from an interface between said first face (FL1) of the first wall (PLI) and an upper face of an upper wall (PS) of said floor (PV), extended by said peripheral wall (PP), to a chosen area of said upper wall (PS), and ii) a lower sealing bead (CEI) intended to extend over an interface between said first face (FL1) of the second wall (PL2) and said second face (FP2) of the peripheral rebate (FP).
6. Longeron according to the combination of claims 2 and 5, characterized in that said two expandable inserts (lEj) are intended to contact respectively two opposite ends of said lower sealing cord (CEI).
7. Longeron according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said first wall (PL1) is suitable for being fixedly joined to said peripheral wall (PP) by welding, and said second wall (PL2) is suitable for being fixedly joined to said peripheral rebate (FP) by welding and / or screwing.
8. Longeron according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is made of steel.
9. Motor vehicle comprising a floor (PV) having a peripheral wall (PP) extended by a peripheral rebate (FP), characterized in that it further comprises side members (LS), right and left, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, to which are fixedly attached respectively right and left lateral parts of said floor (PV).
10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a rechargeable battery (BR) installed in a battery box (BB) fixedly attached to said second walls (PL2) of the side members (LS) and to said peripheral rebate (FP) of the floor (PV), the latter (PV) defining a cover protecting said battery (BR).